Well, it's April 19, 2006, and the goodwill created by celebrating disaster rising above disaster has now officially dissipated. The Chronicle reports that numerous public officials are disgruntled at various protocol lapses that left them feeling insufficiently fawned over at the big 4:30 a.m. party.
There was predawn political infighting because some elected officials weren't offered a coveted spot on stage, an awkward moment when the master of ceremonies called into the audience to locate former Mayor Willie Brown even though he was standing not far behind her, and what should have been a memorable finale with the crowd singing a roaring rendition of "San Francisco" puttered out because many didn't know the lyrics.
For instance: Aaron Peskin was irritated that the Mayor's Office didn't ask him, the Board of Supes Prez, to sit on the stage with everyone else, and diva-ishly put in a request to move up (which was granted).
Peskin was the only one who was willing to talk on the record, but many people were described as "outraged and offended." The MC totally missed Willie Brown waving his hat to get her attention, Schwarzenegger declined to attend, and Tony Bennett, who was supposed invited to sing "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," also didn't show up.
Like commenter Tiffany's noted -- maybe if you hadn't had the party at 4:30 a.m. in the morning, everyone would have been in a better mood!
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Actually, Tony Bennett was NOT scheduled or supposed to show up, the Chronicle was simply saying he wasnt there (implying that it seems like he ought to have been there, singing "I left my heart..").
I agree that would have been wonderful but I heard that he is too expensive and his "people" are too difficult to work with therefore he wasnt there. Too bad, you would hope a singer as great as Tony would feel some sort of obligation to the City with whom he will forever be associated. Guess not.
And how petty for Peskin and others to be "offended" that they werent seated on the main stage but in a separate VIP seating area.. Do they think the thousands of San Franciscans came at 4:30 AM to see them?!? No, Peskin, they came to see and honor those cute old folks on the stage, you stooge. Politicians: Get over yourselves.
On the Tony Bennett thing -- good point; the article says that he was invited but declined to attend -- you could definitely read my post as saying he agreed to play but then stood us up, which doesn't seem to be true.
Is the Chron incorrect in saying that Tony Bennett was invited, though?
Yeah, their article reads like he was invited - but I guess the distinction is between simply "invited" and "scheduled to attend".
Guess "Ol' Tony gotz to get PAY'D!"
Too bad they didnt just substitute Tony Hall - I hear his rates are quite reasonable these days. Ha! Tony Hall... where have you been oh "Survivor - Treasure Island" castoff??
And FYI, a reader emails the lyrics to "San Francisco," so we'll all be prepared the next time we have to sing it at 5 in the morning.
--
(intro)
I never will forget, Mmmm...Jeanette MacDonald
Just to think of her, it gives my heart a pang
I never will forget, how that brave Jeanette
Just stood there in the ruins and sang, and sang...
San Francisco, open your golden gate
You'll let nobody wait outside your door
San Francisco, here is your wanderin' one
Saying I'll wander no more.
Other places only make me love you best
Tell me you're the one in all the golden west
San Francisco, I'm coming home again
Never to roam again...
San Francisco, right when I arrive
I really come alive...
And you will laugh to see me,
Perpendicular, hanging on a cable car
San Francisco, let me beat my feet
Up and down Market Street
I'm gonna climb Nob Hill, just to watch it get dark
From the Top of the Mark
There's Brooklyn Bridge, London Bridge,
And the Bridge of San Luis Rey
But the only bridge, that's a real gone bridge,
Is the bridge across the bay
San Francisco, I'm coming home again,
Never to roam again, by gum
San Francisco, I don't mean Frisco
San Francisco, here I come!
Nobody could hear the damn thing!